For Justin Mumba, his leadership and dedication to football in Zambia are not just about titles and accolades but a reflection of his humble personality and strategic vision. As the current vice-president of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), Mumba’s journey through football administration has been marked by excellence, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the development of the sport.
Mumba’s football administration career spans over two decades, beginning in 1995 with Zesco United Football Club, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the club from an underdog to one of Zambia’s football powerhouses. Under his leadership, Zesco United made significant strides, winning multiple prestigious trophies including the Mosi Cup in 2006, the Coca-Cola Cup in 2007, and the Barclays Cup (now Absa Cup) a record five times. The team also reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League in 2015, solidifying Mumba’s legacy as a transformative leader in Zambian football.
Driven by passion and a clear focus on results, Mumba’s tenure as FAZ vice-president since 2021 has been defined by the decentralization of football administration across Zambia’s ten provinces. This shift empowered provincial executive committees to manage local football programs, ensuring that football development is felt across the country. Through these efforts, FAZ has provided grants and equipment support to 720 teams, making significant strides toward strengthening the grassroots level of the sport.
As he prepares to recontest his position as FAZ vice-president, Mumba reflects on the progress made under his leadership, noting that the development of youth football, women’s football, and the professionalization of leagues are top priorities. FAZ’s restructuring of the Zambian Premier League (ZPL) and its delinking from the national body is a step toward greater professionalism and profitability for the league. This move aims to boost the league’s competitiveness and attract more sponsors, which Mumba believes is essential for the future growth of Zambian football.
Mumba’s dedication extends beyond administrative duties. Under his leadership, Zambia’s national teams have experienced a resurgence. The under-17 and under-20 boys’ teams have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) back-to-back, while the senior men’s team has successfully qualified for AFCON and the CHAN tournaments. The women’s teams have seen similar success, with the senior women’s team qualifying for back-to-back Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and Olympic Games, along with the junior girls’ teams making historic strides.
His vision also includes significant investments in technology, with the acquisition of GPS equipment for all Super League clubs, part of FAZ’s broader effort to modernize the game. These advancements aim to improve coaching, player development, and match performance analysis across the country. Mumba has also been instrumental in the development of a new technical center, supported by FIFA, which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for training and talent development.
Mumba’s contributions extend beyond the borders of Zambia. As a member of the CAF youth organizing sub-committee, he played a key role in organizing successful youth tournaments across Africa, gaining valuable experience that will aid in hosting future tournaments in Zambia.
As he seeks re-election, Mumba remains committed to his vision for a more professional, competitive, and sustainable football landscape in Zambia. His journey, marked by humility, passion, and excellence, continues to inspire the next generation of football administrators, coaches, and players. His leadership is a testament to the impact one individual can have on the future of a nation’s sport, and as Mumba himself says, “Our works will speak for us.”